The Urban League of Palm Beach County is taking high school students this summer on a tour of Florida universities, thanks to the Florida Lottery.

After the challenges of the pandemic, the opportunity to visit Florida university campuses on June 29-30 will reignite students’ commitment to education and motivate them to achieve academic excellence.  

On the tour, a college and career readiness coach will accompany the students and conduct educational workshops on the college admissions process, State University System Matrix, financial aid, the FAFSA application, and requirements for the Bright Futures Scholarship. Students will also participate in question and answer sessions.  

The two-day event will culminate with students summarizing the information provided and creating a personalized college plan.  

The experience will be possible thanks to partners like the Florida Lottery.

Here’s the schedule:

– On day 1, students will travel to University of Central Florida and University of Florida where they will learn about admission requirements and scholarship information. Students will meet with other college students who will discuss their first-year experiences.

– On day 2, students will participate in a college tour at Florida State University & Florida A & M University and later meet with college students who will provide insights into their college experience. The participants will be able to ask questions and learn about scholarships during this session. Students will also visit the State Capitol. 

“This tour will give our students an extraordinary experience of understanding what college is really like,” said Patrick Franklin, President and CEO of Urban League of Palm Beach County. “We are so grateful to the Florida Lottery for supporting our education efforts and helping our students get a clear perspective of the college experience.” 

Mr. Franklin explained that even before the pandemic, low-income minority students and their families struggled to adequately plan for post-secondary education.

COVID-19 has only made matters worse. The pandemic has had a devastating effect on students across Palm Beach County, and young people of color have been the hardest hit by the economic and social dislocation of the crisis. 

That’s why this university tour is so important.

“We want to remove the additional barriers of these unprecedented times and get students to see these universities,” he said. “And so again, the Florida Lottery’s partnership is really vital to opening the doors to the future for so many of our students. We are very appreciative.”